So, I recently heard about Chongqing's latest independent Pizza restaurant, and how it is 'the best in Chongqing.'  I've previously heard similar statements about both Nova and the new high-end Italian restaurant Xixili(Sicily/西西里), both in Nanping.... [read on]

One of the clearest memories I have from my early teaching days here in Chongqing, is of a student telling me she was from the Sichuan town of YiBin.  Upon her saying this, the other students in the class got all excited and told me about a noodle  dish form her home town called YiBin Ran Mian(YiBin "Burning Noodles").  The enthusiasm the students showed for the dish inspired a curiosity in me that would not be settled until I tasted it... [read on]

It wasn't long ago that if one wanted a cold, reasonably priced beer, in a relaxed environment in Chongqing they had to go to the "outside bar," aka "the umbrellas," in Jeifengbei.  And if the weather were (as it is now) miserable, you were better ditching the beer for the 'warmth' of your own home, or over-extending your stay at a hot-pot restaurant(if that's even possible) to slurp down bottles of Shan Cheng away from the elements....[read on]

Bon Bon, restaraunt in the Chongqing Tiandi development is indeed that, bon(bon means good in French for those who don't speak "freedom").  And on Sundays and Mondays I'd go as far as to add another Bon, with specials to rival any in town.... [read on]

About a year or so ago I read this article, about a little known culinary treasure, that lay within our grasp.  Shan Cha You(Mountain Tea oil), or Camellia oil, made from pressed tea seeds, and apparently has some fatty acids and antioxidants that are good for you. After doing some searching when I first heard about the oil, it wasn't until recently that I found it at one of those Yong Hui supermarkets that have been popping up all over town.  The  City Weekend article I linked to and wikipedia can do it more justice than I'm willing to give time, but I do cook with it and must say, prefer it other cooking oils, with the exception of olive, but at a fraction of the price you can't go wrong.

And having lived in, and like the band Vampire Weekend(from whom the above quote comes from), dreamt of Boston, never did I imagine that I would come across such a sight as I did the other day.  Upon exiting the subway at Jiaochangkou station I glimpsed from afar the pink and orange color combination that is unmistakable to anyone who has lived in 'Beantown' or anywhere in America's north-east for that matter.  As I got a bit closer I made out the word "Donuts" and couldn't help but salivate at the idea that Dunkin Donuts had made its way to Chongqing...
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We here at CQ Scene have yet to write about Ciqikou(磁器口) Chongqing's "old city," because we honestly never thought we had to.  Pick up any guide book or check out any tourist website about Chongqing, and Ciqikou is sure to be amongst the 'to-do' list.  Ask any local to recommend places to check-out, and chances are Ciqikou will be one of their suggestions.  And though the main drag of the old city is campy and post-modern, we agree that it is worth checking out, as a stroll off of the beaten path can not only offer a glimpse of genuine(not your Hongyadong) old-school Chongqing architecture, but also lead you to some decent shops, cafes, and one cool ass bar...[read on]